Darren Bent really is the man of the moment at Ipswich Town.
After three goals in two substitute appearances for England Under-21s last week, the club's number one headline-maker produced another moment of timely intervention yesterday to send the Blues soaring to the top of the Coca-Cola Championship.
His vital goal - seven minutes from time - laid the foundations for this important victory.
And, with the match drifting into stoppage-time, he was the architect of Town's second goal scored by Pablo Counago.
No wonder Premiership side Charlton Athletic were ready to splash out £3m for his services.
Town rejected that offer last month and, if they are to stand any chance of building on their flying start and getting promotion, that looks a smart move.
Spells of this game were scrappy but Town knew three points would be enough to propel them from third spot up above Wigan and Stoke.
And they proved patience is a virtue by scoring those two late goals.
Counago flicked on a header for Bent's opener, and the fledgling England star got the better of Matt Lawrence before lifting his shot beyond keeper Graham Stack.
Seven minutes later, the strike duo combined again to make the points safe.
Bent raced clear down the left and sent in a low cross to Counago, via the outstretched boot of Lawrence.
The Spaniard took a touch before guiding his shot into the left-hand corner.
Published Monday September 13, 2004
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